Building Control

Building control is the regulatory and technical discipline that ensures the buildings we live and work in are safe, accessible, and fit for purpose. Every time a new structure is designed, constructed, or altered, building control professionals work to verify that it meets the standards required by law: structural integrity, fire safety, energy performance, accessibility, and the protection of public health. Without this work, the safety of the built environment that most people take entirely for granted would be impossible to guarantee.

The University College of Estate Management offers this part-time distance learning programme, designed for people who are already working in the construction and property sector, or who want to build expertise alongside existing commitments. You will study the regulations, technical standards, and inspection processes that govern the built environment, developing the knowledge and professional judgement to work as a building control surveyor. The distance learning format means you can study flexibly without needing to relocate or step away from work, making it particularly well suited to those who want to advance their professional standing while remaining in employment.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates of building control programmes work in local authority building control departments, private approved inspectors, and construction consultancies. The role involves assessing planning submissions, inspecting works in progress, and certifying that completed buildings comply with the Building Regulations. Building control is a profession that underpins public safety in a direct and consequential way, and demand for qualified practitioners remains consistent.

Many graduates pursue registration with the Building Safety Regulator and membership of professional bodies, which is increasingly important as the legislative framework for building safety continues to develop in the wake of recent regulatory reforms.